Aretha Franklin topped the charts in the 1960s by saying "a little prayer" and 20 years later Bon Jovi was "livin' on a prayer". Fast-forwarding to 2023, Toowoomba's Gabrielle Saide says, for her, spending time in prayer is as natural as breathing.
"My life would be very empty without it," she said.
The first Friday in March is known to Christians as the World Day of Prayer, with its history stretching back to the late 1800s.
It commenced when women in the United States and Canada organised prayer on a specific day that focused on the needs of women around the world.
More than a century later, it's now celebrated across 170 countries.
While the original goals of the day remain, each year the service observes a different country and theme.
Readings and prayers are written by the women of the focus country and recited across the world.
This year's service, written by women in Taiwan, highlighted unique issues faced by the people on the island.
Jane Tseng and Samuel Miao are the ministers at one of Queensland's only Taiwanese church congregations in Brisbane.
"It means a lot to us that people are focusing on Taiwan," Mr Miao said.
"Because when you call yourself Taiwanese, it instantly becomes political because of Taiwan's relationship with China."
Ms Tseng said the international movement has played a powerful role in bringing people together, irrespective of race and geographic location.
"The fact that everyone is praying for people in Taiwan and seeing that faith come into action is very touching," she said.
"We say in our faith that we are a family in God.
"To know the other family members from all over the world remember you, makes you feel like you're not alone.
"That means a lot to us."
The power of a 'quiet moment'
World Day of Prayer services are held throughout Australia today.
Ms Garielle Saide organised Toowoomba's gathering at St Patrick's Cathedral.
She said while the events held in churches today would mostly involve people of the Christian faith, prayer was for everyone.
"Sometimes in a crisis even non-religious people will turn to prayer," Ms Saide said.
While bringing people together on one day is important, she says the other 364 days of the year can be filled with prayer too.
"I feel better after I've prayed," Saide said.
"That quiet moment is a powerful thing, and when you join together with other people to pray it's even more wonderful."
Actions and prayer
Noting that the 2021 Census data showed Australia to be an increasingly secular society and less religious than ever, Ms Saide said the act of praying did not need to be weird or controversial.
She said a good starting point was to focus on others, such as those in need, the oppressed or the sick.
"And I think it's important to pray for world peace because our world is not a world of peace at the moment," Ms Saide said.
While the common phrase "thoughts and prayers" are often shared after tragedies, Ms Saide says they may have lost meaning due to the omission of "a key word".
"Our scripture says, 'Faith without works is dead'. So if we pray all day and then don't do anything to help others, that doesn't mean much," she said.
"Faith and good works go together."
